In an interview published by the German daily Süddeutsche Zeitung , on 19 April, European Council President Herman Van Rompuy notes that if voter turnout is weak in the European elections, it is because citizens know that the important decisions are taken not only in the European Parliament but also "by the heads of state and government. This difference between Parliament and those who are the real decision makers is very clear to citizens".
His comment sparked an angry reaction…
European affairs ministers support the idea
The appointment by the large European parties of a candidate for the Commission presidency was backed (officially at least) by the European affairs ministers at an informal Council in Vilnius, on 30 August 2013. "Many ministers support" the idea and none spoke openly against it, observed MEP Roberto Gualtieri (S&D, Italy), who attended the meeting.